An All Progressives Congress (APC) support network has challenged claims that the ‘Tinubu Must Go’ campaign is attracting widespread backing in northern Nigeria, arguing that expressions of dissatisfaction do not establish a regional rejection of President Bola Tinubu.
The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027 outlined its position in a statement signed by Ali Oriri on Friday, 30 October. It maintained that its engagements with communities indicated continued support for the President’s re-election, according to Independent’s report of the statement.
Oriri acknowledged that living costs and insecurity remained concerns, while arguing that voters should give the administration more time to implement its policies.
“We are not blind to the challenges of cost of living and insecurity. No serious person is. The people of the North understand that sustainable progress requires continuity of purposeful leadership,” Oriri added.
The network cited road construction, electricity projects and security operations as reasons for its confidence in Tinubu’s standing. It argued that assessments portraying discontent as a broad northern revolt overlooked those initiatives and the backing the administration retained among political stakeholders.
“The so-called Tinubu Must Go movement is making noise, but noise is not the same as organised political strength.
“What we see in the North is growing appreciation for the roads being constructed, the power projects advancing, and the renewed focus on security that is gradually restoring confidence in many communities.
“President Tinubu inherited deep structural problems. The reforms he embarked upon were tough, but they are laying the foundation for a stronger economy,” Oriri said.
He said members were explaining what he called “these realities” to communities while organising support ahead of the 2027 election.
The network described traditional institutions, youth associations, women’s organisations and local political figures as central to its outreach. It said those engagements were producing favourable responses and helping it strengthen its structures across northern states.
It also pledged to work with other supporters to challenge what it described as misinformation about the administration’s performance. According to the group, public discussion should consider government projects and security efforts alongside the difficulties confronting residents.
Oriri accused promoters of the opposing campaign of exploiting frustration without presenting an adequate alternative to the government’s economic and security policies.
“We will not allow a campaign built on frustration alone to define the political conversation in the North,” Oriri declared.
The network said it would expand town hall meetings, community outreach and consultations in the coming months. Its published comments did not include polling figures or membership estimates to substantiate its assessment of either campaign’s strength.
In an earlier report published on 17 October, Trust Radio associated the campaign with lawyer Abba Hikima and activist Hamza Nuhu Dantani. The report said its organisers cited economic hardship, insecurity and rising living costs as reasons for opposing Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The exchange follows Tinubu’s campaign launch in Kaduna on 24 October. Reuters’ account of the rally identified economic hardship and persistent security problems as major issues confronting the President as he seeks re-election.